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Chapter One

Jake

I shook out my hands and then took a deep breath as a knock sounded on the door ofI’d anticipated for days

I’d negotiated a hard bargain, and as one of the hottest Hollywood actors, thanks to my breakout role, I was able to play hardball with er did I have toin the trenches, begging for cruht after by the best directors in Hollywood, and my time orth millions

“Come in,” I said as I opened the door and found Ben Malcolest artistic directors in Hollywood, with a reputation that far preceded him His movies were carefully detailed and styled, each one painfully crafted as if it were a love letter, and not one had failed to outdo the previous one

Ben leaned into the ja, you I knew you’d catch on fast” Ben was referring to negotiating style, a talent that it took a lot of actors ages to accomplish

“Well, I had a lot of good advice” I owed a lot to others who had helped ht me out and had faith in me

“Yeah, well, you’re worth it Or at least, you better be” He chuckled as he strolled into ht quarters and plopped down on the couch “How do you like your hoestured around at the trailer “I was appreciative that you didn’t make a lot of ridiculous demands You wouldn’t believe some of the shit production tells me I like to keep et a cocky actor ants to try and blow ht off the rip”

I kneas exaggerating I didn’t put a dent in his budget, but now he had to hope the rest of the cast, staff, and location costs didn’t shole TheBen Malcol it I just didn’t want this to be my final curtain call

Hollywood could be a fickle mistress, and any film could be your last no matter what your name was Box office poison wasn’t just a myth

“I tried my best,” I teased “But seriously, I was a little concerned about the on-location aspect We’re talking about the Aot fro bite, then I at least want my estate to be comfortable while they mourn me”

“Come on, man What do you take me for? I’ every precaution known to ainst the perilous location I’ve even hired a consultant for the team, someone who knows the Amazon well and can help us stay safe and accurate”

I couldn’t stopmy director in the latest filenius in one our separate ways and found our own paths to fame “You hired a consultant? You? Mr Particular, Mr I’ll Do It My Way, will be consulted? That’s a first”

“Well, I had no idea how much insurance would be required for the on-location shots when I dreaerous the A for the cast and staff to cover my ass I know you’re a prima donna, but I expect you to be there”

“No problem” I rubbed my eyes and went over to my coffeeht I’d show Ben I appreciated it “Want some?”

Ben waved his hand as he watched me “No thanks Didn’t you hire an assistant? You don’t have totiet any number of women in here to do that Take your pick Blonde, brunette, or even a sexy redhead, if that’s your thing”

“No, it’s okay I figure I can still do sos myself Besides, I’m pretty particular about my coffee” I also didn’t like a bunch of extra eyes and ears around o over , emotional scene in the rainforest I want to make sure I nail it I need focus”

“Don’t go method on me, my friend I hired you so I didn’t have to put up with that bullshit” I had already known he hated method actors and how they performed I had to hear about it over sushi and beer at one of his pool parties the previous summer